Rename Cork Airport to Cork Rory Gallagher Airport as Cork was his home

Ireland has traditionally lauded her favourite sons and daughters, especially those involved in the performing arts.

Rory Gallagher (2nd March 1948 – 15th June 1995) was Irelands first true international rock and roll star and was revered, not only for his supreme musicianship and talent as an entertainer, but also for his integrity as an artist and overwhelming humility as a person. He could bring together people from across religious and political divides in joyous celebration of peace through music and that music is as vibrant and exciting today as it ever was. His career spanned 30 years from the show bands; through Taste, one of the biggest bands in the world in the late 60s and then a successful solo career until his sudden death in 1995. He is still greatly mourned by his millions of fans worldwide.

A national memorial to Rory in Ireland is long overdue. Although he was born in Ballyshannon/County Donegal, the Gallagher family moved, first to Derry City, where his younger brother Dónal was born in 1949, and then to Cork, where the two brothers were raised and where Rory attended the North Monastery School. Rory lived for many years in Cork. He bought his trademark Fender Stratocaster guitar at Crowley’s in 1963 and played it almost every day until he died. He was known and loved by the local population and it is a love that is still very evident today. He is still regularly honoured as a favourite son with tributes in the city but there is now a case for a more permanent monument. There would be no better way to keep his name and spirit alive across the world than by petitioning the relevant authorities to rename the existing Cork International Airport to “Cork Rory Gallagher Airport”.

Music has always played an important part in Cork. To date, Rory Gallagher remains Cork’s most prolific R&R recording artist. He has sold more than 30 million records. These days, young people all over the world discover his music and the Rory Gallagher fan legion is growing day by day.

Renaming Cork Airport could perfectly fit in the ambitious initiative to increase international visitors to Cork. It will bring publicity, increase business and make many people happy – a win-win opportunity for all players! It is clear from the comments in the petition that there is a worldwide need for Rory Gallagher’s ultimate “international symbol”. Not only would the name change give great artist recognition for Rory’s achievements internationally but it would also give Cork Airport recognition worldwide.

Rory’s brother and former manager, Dónal Gallagher, describes what Cork meant to Rory. “Emotionally, Cork was home. Rory was home – arriving back at Cork Airport. He should have had so many air-miles for going into and out of Cork Airport. I’d say he would have had somewhere between 20 and 50 trips a year in and out of Cork Airport. ”